Hackney has 99 problems but Jay-Z ain’t one. The Grammy-award-winning rapper is coming to Hackney to headline Radio 1’s Big Weekend on 23 and 24 June.
Hackney music fans are being urged to apply for their tickets before next Monday.
With half of the total 100,000 tickets reserved for Hackney residents, there is at least a one in four chance of getting to go to the concert, which has been billed by Hackney Council as Radio 1’s “biggest ever free-ticketed live event”.
It will be held on Hackney Marshes as part of the London 2012 Festival to celebrate the build-up to the Olympic Games.
As well as Jay-Z there will be performances from Lana del Ray and Hackney-born stars Leona Lewis and Professor Green.
BBC Radio 1 Xtra DJ Tim Westwood visited Hackney Community College last week to encourage students to sign up for their tickets.
He said: “This event is for you, the people of Hackney and we want you to get your tickets.”
Westwood added: “It’s going to be part of history, so you need to be there.”
Hackney-born Leona Lewis tweeted: “So excited to be playing at r1hackney in June!! Don’t forget to register before it closes!”
Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney is excited: “The Hackney Weekend is shaping up to be the outdoor music event of the year. Now that Jay-Z’s been now confirmed, demand for tickets will be even greater. There’s still time to register to be part of the borough’s biggest ever event.”
Register for tickets before Monday 19 March 2012 at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/hackneyweekend/2012/tickets/
